Maritime Freight Transport Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

The Report Covers Global Maritime Freight Transport Market Size and Analysis. The market is Segmented by Type (Containerized and Non-containerized) and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East and Africa, and South America).

Maritime Freight Transport Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025 - 2030)

Maritime Freight Transport Market Size

Maritime Freight Transport Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2030
Market Size (2025) USD 398.22 Billion
Market Size (2030) USD 492.23 Billion
CAGR (2025 - 2030) 4.33 %
Fastest Growing Market Asia Pacific
Largest Market Asia
Market Concentration Medium

Major Players

Maritime Freight Transport Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

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Maritime Freight Transport Market Analysis

The Maritime Freight Transport Market size is estimated at USD 398.22 billion in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 492.23 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 4.33% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The maritime freight transport industry is responsible for the carriage of around 90% of world trade. Seaborne trade continues to expand, bringing benefits for consumers across the world through competitive freight costs. Thanks to the growing efficiency of shipping as a mode of transport and increased economic liberalization, the prospects for the industry’s further growth continue to be strong.

All the trade chains, including the major import and export trade, face a downfall. During this adverse time and the urgency of the situation, a ban had been imposed by various countries on the entry of containers and vessels that are being operated from other ports, especially those that are transported from China.

Over 50,000 merchant ships are trading internationally, transporting every kind of cargo. The world fleet is registered in over 150 nations and manned by over a million seafarers of virtually every nationality.

Concretely, it was estimated that higher grain prices and dry bulk freight rates in early 2022 contributed to a 1.2% increase in consumer food prices. Container ships spent 13.7% longer in port in 2021 compared to 2020, exacerbating delays and shortages. During the last year, total greenhouse gas emissions from the world fleet increased by 4.7%.

For many years, the fastest-growing segment was containerized trade, for which growth in 2023 is expected to reach 1.9%, according to a report titled Review of Maritime Transport by UNCTAD.

Maritime Freight Transport Industry Overview

The maritime transport market is fairly concentrated, with a few players accounting for significant amounts of shares in the market. Some of the prominent companies in the market are MSC, COSCO, and AP Moller.

Maritime transport is a complex activity area, owing to the inherently international nature of shipping and its multi-stakeholder dimension. The companies in the sector currently are focusing on complying with the International Maritime Organization's lower global sulfur cap on marine fuels from January 2020 as the segment moves towards implementing the plans to reduce its carbon footprint and contribution to pollution.

Maritime Freight Transport Market Leaders

  1. AP Moller (Maersk)

  2. China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO)

  3. Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC)

  4. CMA-CGM

  5. Hapag-Lloyd

  6. *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Maritime Freight Transport Market Concentration
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Maritime Freight Transport Market News

  • August 2023: Apeejay Shipping Ltd (ASL) announced the acquisition of a Japanese-built vessel with a deadweight capacity of 76,812 MT. The vessel adds significant strength to the Kolkata-based company's fleet, now totaling 10 vessels and boasting a combined deadweight tonnage (dwt) of 671,332 MT.
  • October 2022: Lomar Shipping, a maritime subsidiary of Libra Group, has acquired the Bremen, Germany-based Carl Büttner Holding GmbH & Co. KG. The acquisition of the 166-year-old shipowner and manager known for its technical management expertise and strong maritime legacy is Lomar's most recent step to further diversify and grow its fleet.

Maritime Freight Transport Market Report - Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION

  • 1.1 Study Assumptions
  • 1.2 Scope of the Study

2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  • 2.1 Analysis Methodology
  • 2.2 Research Phases

3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4. MARKET DYNAMICS AND INSIGHTS

  • 4.1 Current Market Scenario
  • 4.2 Market Dynamics
    • 4.2.1 Drivers
    • 4.2.1.1 Increasing global trade
    • 4.2.1.2 Demand for cost-effective transportation
    • 4.2.2 Restraints
    • 4.2.2.1 Increasing regulations affecting the growth of the market
    • 4.2.2.2 Surge in fuel costs affecting the market
    • 4.2.3 Opportunities
    • 4.2.3.1 Usage of new technologies boosting the market
    • 4.2.3.2 Increasing demand for maritime trade across the globe
  • 4.3 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
    • 4.3.1 Threat of New Entrants
    • 4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
    • 4.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
    • 4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products
    • 4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
  • 4.4 Value Chain/Supply Chain Analysis
  • 4.5 Technological Advancements
  • 4.6 Government Regulations and Key Initiatives
  • 4.7 Insights into Transshipment Trade
  • 4.8 Insights into Containerized and Non-containerized Shipments
  • 4.9 Freight Rates and Maritime Transport Costs
  • 4.10 Insights into Intermodal/Container Utilization
  • 4.11 Demand-Supply Analysis
  • 4.12 Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

5. MARKET SEGMENTATION

  • 5.1 By Type
    • 5.1.1 Containerized
    • 5.1.1.1 General
    • 5.1.1.2 Reefer
    • 5.1.2 Non-containerized
  • 5.2 By Geography
    • 5.2.1 North America
    • 5.2.1.1 United States
    • 5.2.1.2 Canada
    • 5.2.1.3 Rest of North America
    • 5.2.2 Europe
    • 5.2.2.1 Germany
    • 5.2.2.2 Russia
    • 5.2.2.3 France
    • 5.2.2.4 United Kingdom
    • 5.2.2.5 Rest of Europe
    • 5.2.3 Asia-Pacific
    • 5.2.3.1 China
    • 5.2.3.2 Japan
    • 5.2.3.3 Australia
    • 5.2.3.4 India
    • 5.2.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
    • 5.2.4 Middle East and Africa
    • 5.2.4.1 Saudi Arabia
    • 5.2.4.2 South Africa
    • 5.2.4.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa
    • 5.2.5 South America
    • 5.2.5.1 Brazil
    • 5.2.5.2 Colombia
    • 5.2.5.3 Argentina
    • 5.2.5.4 Rest of South America

6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

  • 6.1 Market Concentration Overview
  • 6.2 Company Profiles
    • 6.2.1 AP Moller (Maersk)
    • 6.2.2 Mediterranean Shipping Company SA (MSC)
    • 6.2.3 CMA-CGM
    • 6.2.4 China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO)
    • 6.2.5 Hapag-Lloyd
    • 6.2.6 ONE - Ocean Network Express
    • 6.2.7 Evergreen Line
    • 6.2.8 HMM Co. Ltd
    • 6.2.9 Yang Ming Marine Transport
    • 6.2.10 Zim
    • 6.2.11 Wan Hai Lines
    • 6.2.12 PIL Pacific International Line*
  • *List Not Exhaustive

7. FUTURE OF THE MARKET

8. APPENDIX

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Maritime Freight Transport Industry Segmentation

Maritime freight transport refers to a means of transport where goods are transported via sea routes. In some cases, maritime transport can encompass pre- and post-shipping activities. The report provides a complete background analysis of the global marine freight transport market, including an assessment of the economy, a market overview, market size estimation for key segments, emerging market trends, market dynamics, and key company profiles. The report also covers the impact of COVID-19 on the sector.

The maritime freight transport market is segmented by type (containerized and non-containerized) and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South America). The report offers market size and forecasts for the maritime freight transport market in value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Type Containerized General
Reefer
Non-containerized
By Geography North America United States
Canada
Rest of North America
Europe Germany
Russia
France
United Kingdom
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific China
Japan
Australia
India
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Middle East and Africa Saudi Arabia
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
South America Brazil
Colombia
Argentina
Rest of South America
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Maritime Freight Transport Market Research FAQs

How big is the Maritime Freight Transport Market?

The Maritime Freight Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 398.22 billion in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 4.33% to reach USD 492.23 billion by 2030.

What is the current Maritime Freight Transport Market size?

In 2025, the Maritime Freight Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 398.22 billion.

Who are the key players in Maritime Freight Transport Market?

AP Moller (Maersk), China Ocean Shipping (Group) Company (COSCO), Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A. (MSC), CMA-CGM and Hapag-Lloyd are the major companies operating in the Maritime Freight Transport Market.

Which is the fastest growing region in Maritime Freight Transport Market?

Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).

Which region has the biggest share in Maritime Freight Transport Market?

In 2025, the Asia accounts for the largest market share in Maritime Freight Transport Market.

What years does this Maritime Freight Transport Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?

In 2024, the Maritime Freight Transport Market size was estimated at USD 380.98 billion. The report covers the Maritime Freight Transport Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Maritime Freight Transport Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.

Maritime Freight Transport Industry Report

The global maritime freight transport market is essential for the movement of goods worldwide and is experiencing steady growth driven by robust international trade and advancements in operational efficiency. The market size is segmented by type into containerized and non-containerized freight, with container cargo leading due to its efficiency and versatility. The manufacturing sector heavily relies on maritime transport companies for supply chain operations, showcasing the industry's importance.

North America is a major hub in the maritime freight transport market, supported by its established trade environment and strategic port infrastructures. Europe's market continues to grow steadily, bolstered by strong trade flows and digital logistics enhancements. However, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to experience the fastest growth, driven by strong export activities and ongoing infrastructure development. Expansion in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America reflects increased international trade and strategic advantages, further enhancing the demand for efficient maritime shipping solutions.

Industry analysis and market research indicate that market trends and market growth are positively influenced by technological advancements and the need for efficient supply chain solutions. Market leaders in the industry are continually innovating to stay ahead. The industry overview and market outlook suggest a promising future for the maritime freight transport market.

The report provides comprehensive industry information, including market data, market forecast, and market predictions. It highlights the industry size, industry sales, and industry statistics, offering a detailed market review and market segmentation. Additionally, the report includes industry reports and market value insights, which are crucial for understanding the market dynamics.

For those interested in further details, the report example and report pdf are available for download. Research companies can benefit from the in-depth analysis and industry research provided. The market overview and market segmentation sections offer valuable insights into the various aspects of the market, ensuring a thorough understanding of the market value and growth rate.

Overall, the maritime freight transport market is poised for significant growth, driven by industry trends and the need for efficient and reliable transportation solutions. The market forecast and market outlook remain positive, with market leaders continuing to drive innovation and efficiency in the industry.